OceanJet Cancels Multiple Ferry Trips Across Visayas Amid Fuel Contingency Plan

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Several inter-island ferry trips connecting key Central Visayas destinations have been temporarily cancelled after the fast-ferry operator OceanJet implemented a fuel contingency plan in response to global fuel uncertainties linked to the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.

The advisory, released Monday, said the operational adjustment is being carried out in accordance with Advisory No. 26-10, Series of 2026 issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), which allows maritime operators to implement temporary measures to mitigate the impact of volatile fuel supply conditions.

The contingency plan affects ferry routes connecting major Visayan hubs including Cebu City, Tagbilaran, Siquijor, and Dumaguete.

OceanJet said the cancellations will run from March 9 to March 20, 2026, affecting both afternoon and early morning sailings across the Cebu–Bohol–Negros–Siquijor maritime corridor, one of the busiest passenger routes in the Visayas.

Afternoon Trips Cancelled

Under the advisory, several afternoon departures between Cebu, Tagbilaran, Siquijor, and Dumaguete have been suspended for the duration of the contingency period.

The cancelled sailings include:

Cebu – Tagbilaran
Scheduled departure: 12:20 p.m.

Tagbilaran – Siquijor
Scheduled departure: 2:40 p.m.

Siquijor – Dumaguete
Scheduled departure: 4:40 p.m.

Dumaguete – Siquijor
Scheduled departure: 5:30 p.m.

Passengers originally booked on these trips will be accommodated on an alternative OceanJet vessel operating the Cebu – Tagbilaran – Siquijor – Dumaguete – Siquijor route departing at 1:00 p.m.

Based on the revised schedule released by the company, the adjusted connecting departures will operate approximately as follows:

• Cebu – Tagbilaran: 1:00 p.m.
• Tagbilaran – Siquijor: 3:20 p.m.
• Siquijor – Dumaguete: 6:00 p.m.
• Dumaguete – Siquijor: 7:10 p.m.

OceanJet said the schedule consolidation allows the operator to maintain connectivity across multiple islands while operating fewer sailings during the fuel contingency period.

Evening Cebu–Bohol Trips Also Affected

Additional adjustments affect evening ferry routes between Cebu and Bohol.

Two trips scheduled in the evening will be cancelled:

Tagbilaran – Cebu
Scheduled departure: 6:30 p.m.

Cebu – Tagbilaran
Scheduled departure: 6:40 p.m.

Passengers holding tickets for these sailings will instead be transferred to the Cebu – Tagbilaran – Cebu roundtrip vessel departing at 5:40 p.m.

OceanJet said the earlier departure ensures that passengers can still travel between the two cities despite the reduction in scheduled trips.

Early Morning Trips Suspended

Beginning March 10 through March 20, additional early morning sailings connecting Siquijor, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran and Cebu will also be cancelled.

The affected routes include:

Siquijor – Dumaguete
Scheduled departure: 5:00 a.m.

Dumaguete – Siquijor
Scheduled departure: 6:20 a.m.

Siquijor – Tagbilaran
Scheduled departure: 7:20 a.m.

Tagbilaran – Cebu
Scheduled departure: 10:00 a.m.

Passengers affected by these cancellations will instead be accommodated on a consolidated OceanJet sailing departing at 6:00 a.m.

The vessel will serve an extended connecting route that travels through several ports:

Siquijor – Dumaguete – Siquijor – Tagbilaran – Cebu – Tagbilaran – Siquijor – Dumaguete – Siquijor.

OceanJet said this configuration allows the company to continue serving passengers along the entire corridor while minimizing operational costs during the contingency period.

Passenger Options

The ferry operator assured travelers that passengers affected by the cancelled sailings will not incur additional charges.

Affected passengers may choose from the following options:

• Free rescheduling to any available sailing
• Full refund of ticket costs

Passengers seeking immediate rebooking or refund processing are advised to visit any OceanJet ticketing office.

For inquiries or assistance, passengers may contact the company through its official Facebook page or call the following hotlines:

(032) 255-7560
+63 962 256 4399

Impact on Regional Travel

The Cebu–Bohol–Negros–Siquijor ferry corridor serves thousands of passengers daily and is a vital transportation link in Central Visayas.

Many travelers rely on fast ferries for business, tourism, education, and family travel between the islands.

Dumaguete and Siquijor in particular depend heavily on the route due to the absence of direct commercial flights between the islands.

Tourism operators say ferry services are also essential for visitors traveling between Cebu, Bohol’s beaches and diving destinations, and the emerging tourism hub of Siquijor.

While the contingency plan temporarily reduces the number of sailings, OceanJet said it is designed to maintain connectivity while adapting to the evolving global fuel situation.

Monitoring Fuel Situation

Shipping companies worldwide have been closely monitoring fuel supply risks tied to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which can significantly affect international oil prices and marine fuel costs.

OceanJet said it will continue to monitor the situation and may adjust operations depending on fuel supply stability and regulatory guidance.

For now, the company encouraged passengers to regularly check official advisories before traveling.

“Thank you for your understanding and continued support,” OceanJet said in its advisory.

“Stay safe, Jetters.”